US Bridges

Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River

Fair

Juana Diaz Municipio, Puerto Rico · 5 KM West of Salinas · Structure no. 012112

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
385 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
27,900
2017 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River in Juana Diaz Municipio, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the Puerto Rico average of 51.2 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 27,900 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,500 by 2025. The structure is 385 ft (117.5 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPr 52 Southbound
CrossesDescalabrado River
Location5 KM West of Salinas
RouteInterstate 52
CountyJuana Diaz Municipio
StatePuerto Rico
Coordinates18.02924, -66.4244
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length385 ft (117.5 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,900 (2017)
Projected traffic40,500 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a toll road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$62,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River carry?

About 27,900 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River?

The structure is 385 ft (117.5 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Pr 52 Southbound over Descalabrado River?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.